Radiologic Technician Schools, Salaries, and Job Data
Radiologic Technicians Job Overview
Radiologic technologists help generate images of internal organs, tissues and bones for diagnostic purposes. They take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into patientŐs bloodstreams in order to provide information required for diagnosing medical problems. They generally get instructions from doctors about which areas of the body they need images of and also about the procedure to follow. The main types of procedures are x-ray, fluoroscopy and sonogram. Some radiologic technologists also specialize in administering computed tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Another common specialty for radiographers is mammography. Mammographers use low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast.
Radiologic Technicians Schools and Degrees
Radiologic technicians usually undergo training programs of 1 to 4 years, which leads to a certificate, an associateŐs degree or a bachelorŐs degree. Most enroll in the two-year programs that lead to an associateŐs degree. Professional-technical schools, two-year colleges, universities and hospitals offer courses in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, medical terminology, radiation physics, radiation protection and principles of imaging. They also offer 1-year certificate programs for experienced radiographers, medical technologists or registered nurses who want to change fields. Most of the formal training programs are accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, which accredited more than 600 radiography programs in 2007.
Job Requirements
Admission to radiography programs requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology are beneficial. In 2007, 40 states required licensure in order for radiologic technicians to practice.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers voluntary certification for radiologic technicians. In addition, 35 States use ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. Technicians must be a graduate from an accredited program and should have passed an examination to be eligible for certification. Employers always prefer certified technicians.
Radiologic technicians should be sensitive to patientŐs physical and psychological needs and should pay attention to detail, follow instructions and work as part of a team. Mechanical ability and manual dexterity is a major requirement for operating complicated equipments.
Nature of Work
Radiologic technicians prepare patients for examinations by explaining the procedure to them, removing jewelry and other articles and positioning the patient appropriately. They surround the area with radiation protection devices to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation. Radiologic technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment and they can even manage a radiology department.
Radiologic technicians have to stand on their feet for long hours at a time and might have to lift or turn disabled patients, which requires physical stamina. They wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetimeexposure. They usually work for about 40 hours a week. They may also have evening, weekend or on-call hours. Part-time opportunities are also available.
Radiologic Technicians Jobs and Outlook
According to research in 2006, radiologic technicians held about 196,000 jobs in the U.S. That number is expected to grow by 15% in the next ten years. Employment is highest in the following industries:
Federal Executive Branch
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
Offices of Physicians
Outpatient Care Centers
The mean hourly wage for radiologic technicians in the US is about $24.59, while the mean annual salary is around $51,150.
Job Numbers and Growth
Radiologic technicians nationally number 196,000. The unemployment level for workers is very low, compared to other occupations. About 1% of employees were unemployed recently.
Area Job Conditions
Radiologic technicians are relatively common in Punta Gorda (Florida), Huntington (West Virginia), and Dover (Delaware). They are rarer in San Jose (California), Visalia (California), and Salinas (California).
Workers are paid highest in San Jose (California), Oakland (California), and Kingman (Arizona), and lowest in Valdosta (Georgia), Pine Bluff (Arkansas), and Sumter (South Carolina).
Training and Education
Employees are generally expected to have an associate degree. About 25% of radiologic technicians hold a bachelor's degree or better. Currently 68% of workers have some college education, though not a degree. About 7% of employees were able to get their jobs with a high-school diploma. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
About 17% of radiologic technicians work less than full-time. In 1% of the cases, workers work for themselves.
Radiologic Technicians by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.